During the hot summer months when the temperatures soar outside, humans, cats and dogs are all at increased risk of heatstroke and sunburn. Here’s what you need to know about heatstroke and sunburn to ensure your cat enjoys summer safely. What are the signs? Heatstroke in Cats Heatstroke is not as common in cats as it is in dogs, but your cat can still be susceptible … [Read more...] about Summer Safety for Cats: Heatstroke and Sunburn
Safety
Summer Safety for Cats: Deadly Ticks and Spiders
One of the major safety hazards for cats who roam outdoors during the summer months is deadly ticks and spiders. We all know how inquisitive cats are, always on the lookout for interesting things to hunt and stalk especially in dark corners around the house and outside – this is what makes them particularly at risk from the toxic bites of these dangerous small … [Read more...] about Summer Safety for Cats: Deadly Ticks and Spiders
Summer Safety for Cats: Snake Bites
Australia is home to many different types of snakes, some extremely venomous. How many you will see in your garden during your lifetime depends on many factors including how and where you live. It’s not just humans that are at risk of snake bites; your cat could be too. His natural feline instinct is to hunt prey, and if a snake slithers past him in the garden it has prey … [Read more...] about Summer Safety for Cats: Snake Bites
Summer Safety for Cats: Alcohol, Drugs and Party Food
With Christmas on its way, your thoughts might naturally be turning to throwing a holiday party or two. Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry, but don’t forget about the dangers to our four-legged friends at party time. Alcohol, party food and even drugs might be around, and even though responsible pet parents wouldn’t give their cat these things on purpose, it can … [Read more...] about Summer Safety for Cats: Alcohol, Drugs and Party Food
The Dangers of Cigarette Smoking Around Cats
I’m not going to lecture you on the rights and wrongs of cigarette smoking (it’s entirely your choice), BUT it is well documented in various research studies that the effects of passive or second-hand cigarette smoking are almost as bad as smoking itself. A cat’s lungs are almost identical to human lungs, only much smaller, so if second-hand smoke is damaging to humans … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Cigarette Smoking Around Cats
Poisonous Plants for Cats
You’ve been given a beautiful bunch of flowers or a lovely house plant, and you want it to have pride of place in your living room…but, do you know the possible consequences if your cat decides to take a nibble? There are a number of flowers and plants that can be poisonous to your cat if he ingests them, so it pays to be aware of what those plants are and to remove them from … [Read more...] about Poisonous Plants for Cats
Creating a Feline First Aid Kit
An important aspect of caring for your cat is being prepared for an accident or emergency. You probably have an emergency first aid kit at home or in your car, so make sure that you also have one readily available for your cat or dog too. Having an emergency first aid kit can help you provide your cat with essential first aid before you get to the vet for treatment, and can … [Read more...] about Creating a Feline First Aid Kit
How to Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer
With long hot days and soaring summer temperatures comes the risk of dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn, not only for you but for your pets too. Here are some simple tips to help ensure your cat remains healthy, cool and comfortable this summer. 1. Shade your house Close the blinds and curtains to keep the sun out and keep your home cooler. An added bonus is that you’ll … [Read more...] about How to Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer
5 Ways to Help Your Cat Deal With the Fear of Thunderstorms
As summer approaches and Mother Nature starts to unleash her fury with thunderstorm season – dark foreboding skies, gale force winds, flashes of lightning and crashing thunder – it’s not unusual for cats to become nervous or even 'freak out'. Even before a storm hits, cats are likely to react to changes in barometric pressure and their acute hearing may mean that they can … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Help Your Cat Deal With the Fear of Thunderstorms
Human Foods Your Cat Shouldn’t Eat
Whilst many of us like to spoil our pets and offer them occasional tasty morsels from our plates, there are some human foods that are toxic or potentially dangerous for a cat and shouldn’t be part of a feline diet. Whilst this is not a conclusive list, here are some of the foods you absolutely must not feed your cat. Chocolate You may have an indulgent sweet tooth, but … [Read more...] about Human Foods Your Cat Shouldn’t Eat